Documents show MSU severed booster ties

Mississippi State University released correspondence Tuesday detailing the school’s efforts to disassociate an unnamed booster who had “impermissible contact” with a prospective student athlete.

Last week, the university announced it was cooperating with the NCAA while it investigated the school for a “recruiting irregularity.”

Documents released Tuesday provided insight into correspondence between Mike Glazier — MSU’s outside counsel for NCAA compliance and infraction matters — and an anonymous booster. The booster’s identity was redacted from the documents provided by MSU.

In a letter to the booster, Glazier said an investigation revealed the unnamed participant engaged in impermissible contact with a potential student athlete and “that other violations of NCAA rules also may have occurred.”

“Bracky Brett, the university’s senior associate athletic director for compliance, has communicated with you on multiple occasions to request your cooperation with an interview to be conducted by a representative of the NCAA,” Glazier said in a letter to the booster. “To date, you have declined.”

“Mississippi State is committed to adhering to NCAA rules and regulations and to cooperate with the NCAA. Consistent with that commitment, the university’s athletics program will not associate with individuals who do not share the university’s commitment,” Glazier continued in the letter.

According to the documents, the unnamed booster is no longer allowed to “participate in any organization recognized by the university as a supporter of the university’s athletics programs; assist the university in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes; provide benefits (including employment) to any enrolled student-athlete; make a financial or gift in kind contribution (sic) for the support of the university’s athletics programs; or receive any privilege associated with Mississippi State athletics that is not available to the general public.”

In an email dated July 28, the unnamed booster contacted Brett, saying, “My season tickets were refunded, but my donation wasn’t. If you refuse to refund my donation, then I will assume that I will still (sic) have the right to purchase season tickets as a 2012 donor.”

Glazier contacted the booster again on July 31 and said the Bulldog Club will refund his credit card for the 2012 football seat donation. A refund amount listed in the email was redacted.

On Aug. 19, Mississippi State announced the departure of wide receiver coach Angelo Mirando. Shortly thereafter, officials said the university was cooperating fully with an NCAA inquiry. Officials from MSU and the NCAA have yet to comment on the exact nature of the improper activities the booster was allegedly involved with the recruit.